The Upsetting News Thread

[Alelou]

Nope, it's not the same. There are more drugs and more guns. However, it's also not nearly as dangerous as we think it is. In the 50's you wouldn't hear about a domestic murder that took place on the other coast. Here, if it's gory enough and happens to a pretty blonde, it could dominate CNN for days. People tend to feel as if they're living under seige and they're children are at risk if they so much as walk around the block.

In reality most murders are committed by people you know, as this poor woman found out -- the husband or boyfriend who doesn't want to let go. That hasn't changed much.

[panyasan]

Horrible news. A tragedy.

Wasn't there some kind of sudy that showed with growing population there would be more violence?

I don't think more peope means more violence. More irritation, maybe. The fact is I lived in two very crowded countries (Netherlands and Japan are one of the most populated countries in the world) and the amount of murder in both countries is much lower then in the States. Of course this takes nothing away from the tragedy and personal impact when a family is killed by the father.

[EntAllat]

I just got the news that a friend and former co-worker of mine died this weekend. I'd spoken to her extensively fairly recently and in fact just signed a card for her a week ago, NOT because she was sick, but because we'd all just found out that she was taking leave to care for her husband in HIS final days - he's terminal and on hospice. SHE was perfectly healthy. She died somewhere between Saturday evening and Sunday morning and an autopsy is being done to determine the cause. I had to ask three times to make sure that the person telling me the news hadn't gotten it wrong.

That would be upsetting enough but then they added this bit:

Another co-worker's daughter was born probably just hours before "E" died. No one, certainly not the new father and mother, knew the news about "E"s death. But the name they'd picked out for a daughter? "E".

I'm a little freaked out right now.

[honeybee]

That's very upsetting, Entallat (and the name thing, a bit eerie).

I can tell you that caregivers often neglect their own health - including scary symptoms - since their focus is on the "sick" person they are tending. I am very concerned about this since my mother has been taking care of my brain injured father for many years. He's institutionalized, but my mother still must see to whatever needs they do not, such as his medical care and she keeps an eye on his other caregivers. On top of this, my older brother is mentally ill and she must help him get his care as well as help him with all sorts of stuff. One of the things that I do is make sure she gets to the doctor on a regular basis, does not ignore symptoms and - this is key - takes time to have fun for herself. I pitch in with the caregiving, but it's really all her since my job is far away.

June Carter Cash died unexpectedly after caring for Johnny for many years - to the shock of her family that was expecting his death. I also think that Dana Reeve probably was a victim of this phenomena, although I am not certain.

In any case, it's very, very sad.

[Alelou]

It's very sad and startling and just not the way you think things are supposed to go. I kind of hope her poor husband was already too out of it to realize. That whole family must be really traumatized right now.

[Aquarius]

OMG, EntAllat! I'm so sorry to hear all of this. And the name thing is eerie for sure.

[EntAllat]

Thanks. I'm less rattled and more bewildered by it now.

Re: Honeybee - I'm a little worried that might just be the case here. Even though she seemed fit and healthy and not an age risk she'd been under a lot of stress even before her husband's diagnosis.

Re: Alelou - That would have been a mercy certainly, but no. He, and her 15 year old son, actually came up to the office to tell the staff in person today.

Re: Aquarius - It certainly rattled most of us. This was one of those moments where you just don't know how to react.

[Alelou]

That would have been a mercy certainly, but no. He, and her 15 year old son, actually came up to the office to tell the staff in person today.

Oh jeez. So sad in every possible way.

You must have a pretty close staff.

[Aikiweezie]

I'm a little freaked out right now.

[EntAllat]

I'm a little freaked out right now.

Thanks.

That would have been a mercy certainly, but no. He, and her 15 year old son, actually came up to the office to tell the staff in person today.

Oh jeez. So sad in every possible way.

You must have a pretty close staff.

Yeah, it's a creative department and she'd worked there for almost ten years - it's really amazing how well we've kept in touch with people who've come and gone from there. Right now I really, really feel for her son. He's already been through the divorce of his parents and now the sudden death of his mother and slow death of his step-father. It doesn't seem fair, does it?

[enterprikayak]

Awful.

[panyasan]

Hugs EntAllat. That's is awful news.

[enterprikayak]

I started this thread with dog news, and now thirty pages later, here's more.

Our 12 year old little Jack Russell passed today. She was terribly old and unhealthy, so it's a release.

But still...

[WarpGirl]

My brother has to put his Rottie down so I get it Ek. I was devestated last night when I found out.

[honeybee]

Our 12 year old little Jack Russell passed today. She was terribly old and unhealthy, so it's a release.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Pets are a gift to us that care for them for a short time. Even though its a release from pain, you will miss her. Be well.